New powers to ban anti-social passengers from buses and trams

New powers to ban anti-social passengers from buses and trams

TRAVELLING troublemakers can now be taken to task after a transport body was granted greater powers to help tackle antisocial behaviour.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) can now apply to the courts for civil injunctions banning troublemakers from bus or tram stops, stations, interchanges or specific bus or Metrolink services.

The orders can also be used to help address underlying problems that are contributing to antisocial behaviour, such as alcohol or drug misuse.

The powers follow a request to the government by mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to extend powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Deputy mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes, said: “Securing these powers sends out a clear and simple message to those who continue to misbehave on the region’s transport networks that it simply will not be tolerated.

“While the number of incidents of crime and ASB are small compared to the number of journeys that are made every year, such incidents can and do erode confidence in a person’s decision whether or not to use public transport – which is why this is such a welcome development.

“I hope the small minority involved in antisocial behaviour take note and think very carefully about their future conduct and the impact and consequence on them if they were to be banned from our transport network.”

Crime minister Victoria Atkins added: “It is unacceptable that people are experiencing anti-social behaviour in public places or whilst travelling."

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here